Beekeepers ready to share sweet hobby

By John Irwin

Monday

Feb 26, 2018 at 7:45 AM

Beekeeping is quite a rewarding niche hobby that can produce a sweet result and the Franklin County Beekeepers’ Association will be hosting a five-session beginner course on the basics of beekeeping starting March 1.

"There are many reason to keep honey bees," said Georgia Townsend, treasurer for the association."It's very rewarding if you have a family and children who are young, it's a wonderful family hobby and can be good family bonding time."

According to Townsend, there has been a decrease in the number of honey bees in the area.

"They are very important to the agricultural community," she explained. "Honey is a very important crop, especially local honey."

In Franklin County, the beekeepers' association is encouraging people to take the classes even if they are not going to keep bees personally.

"I've had people in the past take the class just to learn about what plants to have in the garden and yard for the honey bees," Townsend noted.

To help promote a healthy sustainable population of honey bees in Franklin County, Townsend recommends plants for your garden.

The classes will be held at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, Thursdays March 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. In addition, there will be a field day at a local apiary on April 14. The cost is $65. Registration includes a beekeeping book, refreshments and an annual membership to the Beekeepers Association.

"I hope people get a deep appreciation for the value of honey bees," said Townsend. "It's important for future generations to keep the beekeeping hobby alive."

For more information, visit www.fcbapa.org or the Franklin County Pa. Beekeepers Facebook page. To register, contact Penn State Extension-Franklin County at 717-263-9226 or FranklinExt@psu.edu.

Contact John Irwin at jirwin@therecordherald.com or at 717-762-2151.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA ~ 30 Walnut St. Waynesboro, PA 17268 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service